Cocos Islands Malay in Australia

The Cocos Malays are the majority population of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, a territory of Australia. The Malay were the first permanent inhabitants of the island, along with Alexander Hare. They were brought as slaves and members of his harem. When a previous claimant, John Clunies-Ross, arrived a year later in 1827, he took the island back, employing the existing population in the harvest of coconuts. Because of the unbroken European rule of the islands, the culture has been mostly Western. The Cocos Malay have their own dress code. Those in the Australian mainland, however, conform to Australian dress habits. They have their own language, but to function in Australia, they must be fluent in English.

Ministry Obstacles

Since they don’t have any Christ followers among them, the Cocos Islands Malay Muslims will be hard-pressed to give the gospel a chance.

Outreach Ideas

There are plenty of vibrant Christian believers in the Cocos Islands who can reach out to them.

Scripture Focus

"My foot stands on level ground; in the great assembly I will bless the LORD."  Psalm 26:12

Scripture Prayer

Pray that many from today’s people group will allow their spiritual lives to be transformed by the Lord, and that they will begin to publicly praise Him.

Prayer Focus

Pray for a movement to Jesus to multiply among families and communities. Pray for the Lord to anoint and thrust our workers to the Cocos Malay people. Pray for them to understand that the Lord wants to bless them with spiritual abundance.